In adults with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, tirzepatide is linked to slightly higher rates of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea compared to dulaglutide, but serious side...
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
Tirzepatide hits two switches in the gut and brain that slow down digestion more than dulaglutide does. This makes food sit longer in the stomach, which triggers nausea and vomiting, and causes more water to stay in the intestines, leading to diarrhea. It’s not dangerous, just a side effect of how...
Most probable mechanism
Tirzepatide activates two receptors in the gut and brain that slow down how fast food moves through the stomach and intestines. This makes the stomach feel fuller longer and triggers signals that cause nausea, vomiting, and loose stools. Dulaglutide only activates one of these receptors, so it doesn’t slow digestion as much, which is why these side effects happen more often with tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide binds to and activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the gastrointestinal tract and brainstem
Activation of GLP-1 and GIP receptors delays gastric emptying and increases intestinal transit time
Slowed gastric and intestinal motility distends the gut wall, activating vagal afferent nerves that signal nausea and vomiting centers in the brainstem
Increased gut distension and altered motility reduce water absorption and increase luminal fluid volume, leading to diarrhea
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Community contributions welcome
Cardiovascular Outcomes with Tirzepatide versus Dulaglutide in Type 2 Diabetes.
Contradicting (0)
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